The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services welcomes Robert P. Kadlec, M.D., as Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response

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Dr. Kadlec is a proven leader with deep knowledge of ASPR’s mission. As former staff director for Senator Richard Burr’s subcommittee on bioterrorism and public health, Dr. Kadlec was instrumental in drafting the Pandemic and All-Hazard Preparedness Bill which was signed into law in 2006 to improve the nation’s public health and medical preparedness and response capabilities for emergencies, whether deliberate, accidental, or natural. The law established the office he now leads.

Dr. Kadlec spent more than 20 years as an officer and physician in the United States Air Force before retiring as a Colonel. Over the course of his career, he has held senior positions in the White House, the U.S. Senate, and the Department of Defense.

He is well-known for his dedication to preparing the nation to respond to and recover from the health effects of the spectrum of threats that endanger Americans, our national security, and our way of life. He is committed to working with partners across the country to strengthen our nation’s readiness and saving lives and will be reaching out to existing and potential partners in the coming weeks and months.​